Austin Wrongful Death Attorney
Direct Attorney Guidance for Austin Families After a Fatal Accident
The death of a family member causes emotional, psychological, and financial harm to the survivors. Texas law recognizes that these injuries are real and allows specific family members to bring a lawsuit against a person whose wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default caused the death. A wrongful death claim may arise from virtually any fatal incident, including car crashes, falls in a public store, electrocutions, drownings, nursing home neglect, shootings, and other fatal incidents.
Our Austin wrongful death attorneys can explain who may bring a claim, what evidence may matter, and how we can address insurance communications while your family focuses on one another. Families can contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC 24/7. Consultations are free, there are no upfront costs, and we handle these cases on a contingency-fee basis.
Reach out to us today at (512) 400-3278 for a free, confidential consultation with our wrongful death attorney in Austin. We’re available 24/7, and se habla español.
Millions Recovered for our clients
Landmark verdicts and settlements that speak for themselves
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$10,500,000 18-Wheeler Rollover Accident
An 18-wheeler driver took a turn too fast, rolling over and crushing our client’s vehicle and killing him.
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$6,000,000 18-Wheeler Accident Leads to Permanent Brain Injury
An 18-wheeler driver ran a red light and T-boned our client’s vehicle, ejecting him from the car and causing a life-altering brain injury.
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$3,000,000 Severe Leg Injuries Resulting from Drunk Driver in Residential Neighborhood
Our client was hit head-on by a drunk teenager in front of an elementary school, flipping their vehicles.
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$1,800,000 Delivery Truck Accident
Our client was t-boned by a large package delivery truck that was traveling in excess of 70 mph. He sustained a severe neck injury that required spinal surgery. Our firm recovered $1,800,000 on behalf of our client.
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$1,531,710 Work Accident Caused Brain Injury
Our client was thrown off the back of a work truck, which fractured his skull and caused him to suffer a traumatic brain injury. *Net proceeds to the client were $900,052.11.
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$1,530,000 18-Wheeler Crashes Into Multiple Vehicles, Pinning Our Client Against a Guardrail
An 18-wheeler failed to see the traffic piling up in front of him and drove full speed into a line of stopped cars on the highway. Our client was pinned up against the guardrail until the jaws of life could remove her.
How Our Austin Wrongful Death Lawyers Handle Claims
Wrongful death and survival actions can involve multiple claimants and distinct legal and factual issues. Recovery depends on proving that the person or entity responsible for the death is legally liable. Doing so requires knowledge of the underlying incident, including auto accidents, product liability claims, falls, and other incidents, as well as the legal requirements for wrongful death and survival suits. When nursing home neglect is involved, a nursing home wrongful death attorney from our firm can examine care records, facility communications, and witness information.
In a typical Austin wrongful death case, we begin by listening carefully to your story so we understand your priorities, your family structure, and any immediate financial pressures you’re facing. We then evaluate potential sources of compensation, which may include insurance policies, businesses, or individuals whose conduct contributed to the loss. We serve families throughout Central Texas and can handle the legal work while you focus on grieving and taking care of your family.
At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, clients work directly with an attorney rather than being passed to junior staff or a case manager. Our Austin wrongful death lawyers investigate the facts, gather records and witness information, and address communications with defendants, insurers, and defense counsel. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injury victims, and we prepare cases for trial when necessary.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
The statute identifies the surviving family members who may bring a suit:
- Parents
- Children
- Spouses
While that sounds clear enough, many circumstances can complicate the case. Divorces, separations, adoptions, disputed parentage, and other events can affect someone’s right to sue for wrongful death. For example, questions may arise about whether a divorce was final or whether there was a formal marriage. These complications should be reviewed by an Austin wrongful death attorney.
More than one person may have the right to bring an action. Every eligible survivor can join in a single suit, or some survivors can bring it for the benefit of everyone entitled to recover.
If no eligible claimant begins a wrongful death claim within three calendar months of the death, Texas law generally directs the estate’s personal representative to bring an action for the benefit of eligible family members, unless each eligible claimant requests that no suit be brought.
Clients Who Fought—and Won
Every testimonial tells the story of a fight we didn’t back down from.
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“I was in an accident with a semi-truck, and they took great care of me quickly. They speak Spanish and are very kind. Thank you!”- Cipriano B. (Google)
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“I contacted Briggle & Poland after a slip and fall... I'm so grateful for everything they did.”- Laura G. (Google)
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“I am an attorney in Austin, but do not practice personal injury law. Whenever I have clients/friends/family that are injured, I always refer them to Hayden and Parker of Briggle & Polan, PLLC. These guys are very sharp and get great results for their c”- Rick F. (Google)
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“I hired Briggle & Polan after a car accident caused by an uninsured motorist that left me on the sidelines for 2 months... The staff at Briggle & Polan kept pushing despite the unusual circumstances and reached a settlement that I'm very happy with”- Zeke H. (Google)
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“My neck, spine, and leg were destroyed in my accident. Not only were they able to get the treatment I needed, but they also made sure that my condition was getting better...In summary, 10/10 or 5 stars!!”- Anonymous (Google)
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“With the help of Parker Polan and Hayden Briggle, I was able to settle my car accident case...I would recommend their firm to anybody looking for competent, trustworthy attorneys who will be with you from start to finish.”- Brandon
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“Muy agradecida por su ayuda, ellos realmente se preocupan por sus clientes y siempre están sobre el caso... tienen ayuda profesional para diferentes áreas y personas que hablan nuestro idioma.”- Sarah H. (Google)
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“I was recommended to Briggle & Polan, LLC by a coworker after being hit by a 'landscaping service' truck and trailer on Mopac that was uninsured, caused a multi-car collision, and fled the scene on foot.”- Sharon F. (Google)
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“My mother was in an accident that resulted in catastrophic injuries...I reached out to Briggle & Polan, and they instantly helped connect me with doctors, therapist, rehabilitation stays, and they even helped me extend my rental car.”- Mariah F. (Google)
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“I could not be any happier with my settlement, from all the doctor appt to getting my car fixed. They handled it all. Brian and Amelia were the best in handling my case after being hit by a drunk driver...very professional and fast service.”- Sylvia M. (Google)
Settling Isn't An Option
When the stakes are high, we fight harder
We don’t back down when the pressure is on. For high-stakes cases, we bring experience, strategy, and tenacity to fight for every dollar, every right, and every bit of justice you deserve.
Wrongful Death FAQs
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In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the individual's passing. This timeframe is critical as it determines the period within which legal action must be initiated. However, certain exceptions can extend or alter this deadline, such as cases involving minors or when the discovery of the wrongful act was delayed. It's crucial to consult with legal counsel promptly to ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate period and to explore any potential exceptions that may apply to your specific case.
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While both wrongful death claims and survival actions arise from the death of an individual, they serve different purposes. A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the losses suffered by the deceased's family members, such as loss of companionship and financial support. In contrast, a survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased's estate and aims to recover damages the deceased could have pursued if they had survived, including pain and suffering before death. These claims can often be pursued concurrently, allowing for comprehensive recovery for both the estate and the family members.
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Yes, a wrongful death lawsuit can still be filed even if the deceased had a pre-existing condition, provided that the defendant's actions contributed to, aggravated, or caused the wrongful death. In such cases, it is essential to demonstrate how the defendant's negligence directly impacted the deceased's health and led to their untimely passing. An experienced attorney from Briggle & Polan, PLLC can help navigate these complex medical and legal issues to build a compelling case demonstrating the defendant's liability.
Out Of Pocket,
